Széchenyi baths in Budapest, Hungary
When you hear about all of the great places to visit in Hungary, you may have a hard time deciding what to do first. Will you begin in the big cities? First get a touch of nature? Will you concentrate on history? Art? Food? Wine? Music? Whatever your desire, Hungary is filled with delightful surprises.
Capital contradictions
Budapest extends along both banks of the Danube, offering stunning views. That the city is ‘split in two’ seems rather appropriate, since the city itself is filled with contradictions. There is Roman architecture and Turkish baths, Gothic churches and Baroque museums and Art Nouveau and Viennese coffee houses. It is home to world-class opera, music and art. Take in all that this unique metropolis has to offer. View more things to do in Budapest.
City Park (Városliget) has indoor and outdoor pools, a bathhouse, a zoo, and many other attractions. There’s a metro stop inside the park, so it’s extremely easy to get to.
Mineral baths for the soul
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, and one of the favorite vacation destinations of Hungarians. Visit this beautiful inland beach on your way to Gyógytó Lake in Héviz. The volcanic crater spring under Gyógytó keeps it warm enough to swim year round, and the mineral-rich mud is considered medicinal, so swimming is only recommended for an hour at a time, tops. Choose from outdoor swimming or indoor swimming in a glass enclosure. The health benefits are numerous.
From train station Keszthely Vasútállomás on the shores of Lake Balaton, take a taxi to the town of Héviz. The spa and hot springs are in the center of town.
Fortification for your journey
The 13th century Castle of Eger is perched on a hill that overlooks the city of Eger. Aside from the castle itself, you’ll find a prison museum, underground artillery bunkers and the Dobó István Fortress Museum, one of the most popular museums in Hungary. Don’t miss the views from the castle walls.
The castle is about a 10-minute walk from train station Eger vasútállomás.
The sweet vintages of Szépasszony Valley
Directly adjacent to Eger is the Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy). While this might sound like a place for women of ill repute, it’s actually a vineyard of high regard. Wine lovers dare not miss the rolling vineyards, quaint wine cellars and historic taverns. You’ll also get a taste of some of Hungary’s finest reds. Be sure to visit Istenes Pince (Godly Cellar), the oldest cellar in the region.
From train station Eger vasútállomás, Istenes Pince is about a 10-minute walk.
Culinary treasures in Szentendre
This riverside town north of Budapest is on the slopes of the Pilis mountains. Revel in its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, bustling market squares and postcard-perfect scenery. Try some authentic Hungarian cuisine too: Paprikás (beef stew in thick, bell pepper gravy), Gundel Pancake (with ground walnuts, flambéed in chocolate sauce) and Dobos sponge cake (with chocolate buttercream filling and a caramel slice on top).
The journey from Budapest station to Szentendre takes less than 30 minutes.
When to go
Lake Balaton, HungarySo when’s the best time to plan your Hungary train travel getaway? If you don’t mind a lot of other tourists and higher hotel prices, summer is a popular season to visit. You can avoid the crowds in spring, but be prepared for some rain. Most attractions are closed during the winter.
Sziget
This is one of Europe’s largest music festivals and has been voted in various polls as one of the best. Spread over 8 days, the festival offers a broad range of music genres from international rock acts to jazz and world music. There's also an excellent programme of cultural activities and performances. The festival is set on Óbudai-sziget, an island in the Danube. Camping is possible.
Sziget party train
You can also start your festival on the train! Take the Sziget party train which departs from Amsterdam and has 2 party coaches with DJ's. Breakfast and champagne are available on board. Please note that this train trip is not included in your InterRail pass. For more information about this train visit the Sziget website.
Óbudai-sziget can be reached by metro from all 3 international train stations.
